what's the easiest way to install the two pivot pins without damaging them by hammering them in?
Jun 25, 2019 at 12:35 PM
Tilt steering column installation
1993 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
JOHNNIE CONTRERAS
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Hello my name is Dave.
The pins should actually tap in quite easily if you have it lined up properly. One of the tricks is to make sure the tilt foot is in the most upright position and if you look at the pin it is stepped so it should go in the first little bit by just pushing on it and when you have the column lined up you'll feel it barely start, from there you should be able to tap it in. The second side usually is even easier. I do want to ask if you tightened the three bolts on the top of the base of the column as this is usually the reason for dismantling the column as you have, I would guess you did and that was why you have done this but if not I would highly recommend tightening them while you have it apart, even though they are inverted torx I actually have found that a 6 point 8mm or 5/16 1/4" socket on an extension with a universal works beautifully and can sneak in there nicely. I hope this helps you get everything back together and working properly and thank you for using 2CarPros.
The pins should actually tap in quite easily if you have it lined up properly. One of the tricks is to make sure the tilt foot is in the most upright position and if you look at the pin it is stepped so it should go in the first little bit by just pushing on it and when you have the column lined up you'll feel it barely start, from there you should be able to tap it in. The second side usually is even easier. I do want to ask if you tightened the three bolts on the top of the base of the column as this is usually the reason for dismantling the column as you have, I would guess you did and that was why you have done this but if not I would highly recommend tightening them while you have it apart, even though they are inverted torx I actually have found that a 6 point 8mm or 5/16 1/4" socket on an extension with a universal works beautifully and can sneak in there nicely. I hope this helps you get everything back together and working properly and thank you for using 2CarPros.
Jun 26, 2019 at 4:41 AM
Thank you motor master. this is my first attempt working on this and reason being is to replace the key lock cylinder which I've put in. but as I was removing the column from the car and set down and separated the shaft from the housing and removed the faulty key lock cylinder a small metal length pin with serrated teeth fell out. no problem so I placed it back in. here is another question, by inserting the key to bench test the forward and reverse action of the moving ignition key lock cylinder and slider that fits into the ignition switch it moves forward okay, but will not reverse when I turn the key backwards to the key off lock position. is this right?
Jun 26, 2019 at 5:25 AM
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It sounds like you have the gear off one tooth, and as far as getting the pivot pins use a screw driver on one side to hold it then push the main shaft over to line up the opposing holes. Here are some instructions and diagrams to help. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
Images (Click to enlarge)
Jun 29, 2019 at 6:09 PM
Thank you Ken for clearing this up for me and and your advice.
Jun 29, 2019 at 6:23 PM
Use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Please tell a friend.
Jun 30, 2019 at 10:00 AM
this question is a continuation from the previous one..the column is still on the bench and i would like to know since this is my first time doing this job and just want to be sure before I install the pivot pins..Im checking my work by inserting one of the new keys that came with the new key lock cylinder to test the forward and reverse action of the key lock cylinder in relation to the slider arm movement it moves forward okay but will not reverse in relation to the key lock cylinder being rotated back to the off lock position..there doesn't seem to be any parts or spring that I left out aside from putting the steering shaft back into the housing and installing the pivot pins and the lower bearing and spring with the washers on the end that fits into the intermediate shaft.
Jul 23, 2019 at 5:11 PM
(Merged)
Welcome to 2CarPros.
What I am going to provide are the directions specific to replacement with a tilt wheel. All attached pictures correlate with the directions. Also, pic 1 is an exploded view of the column. Read through the directions, compare the pics, and see if anything stands out as different to what you have done.
_____________________________
IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER
Tilt Wheel Steering Column
pic 1
Legend
pic 2
Housing Cover And Turn Signal Switch Removal
pic 3
Buzzer Switch Wires, Removal
pic 4
Pivot Pin Removal
pic 5
Buzzer Switch Removal
pic 6
Lock Cylinder Set Removal
pic 7
Remove or Disconnect
Tools Required: J 35689-A Terminal Remover J 21854-01 Pivot Pin Remover.
Important: Steering column must be removed from car before proceeding with the following steps.
1. Do steps 1 through 18 under Turn Signal Switch Assembly / Service and Repair / Remove or Disconnect. See: Turn Signal Switch > Procedures
2. Pull tilt lever (30) and tilt column all the way up.
3. Insert phillips head screwdriver into square opening in spring retainer (11), push down and turn left to release retainer (11) and wheel tilt spring (12).
4. Spring retainer (11), tilt spring (12) and tilt spring guide (13).
5. Two lower spring retainers (28) and discard.
6. Lower bearing spring (27) and lower bearing seat (26).
7. Adapter screws (25).
8. Adapter and lower bearing assembly (24).
9. Two pivot pins (10) with J 21854-01 as shown.
10. Place lock cylinder (20) in "Run" position.
11. Pull tilt lever (30) to release shaft and housing assembly (9).
12. Shaft and housing assembly (9) from jacket and bowl assembly (19).
13. Place lock cylinder (20) in "Off-Lock" position and remove key.
14. Buzzer switch (17). Use screwdriver to lift switch tab and pull gently on wires to remove.
15. Lock retaining screw (18).
16. Lock cylinder (20).
17. Column tilt bumpers (31) with vise grips. If bumper is broken off use a 5.9 mm (7/32 in.) drill to remove remaining piece of bumper.
18. Tilt bracket screws (29).
19. Tilt lever and bracket assembly (30).
20. Rod cap (32) from dimmer switch rod (35).
21. Jacket and bowl assembly (19).
Install or Connect
Important: All fasteners in the following steps must be firmly seated before being tightened to specified torque.
1. Rod cap (32) into jacket and bowl assembly (19).
2. Tilt lever and bracket assembly (30) into jacket and bowl assembly (19).
3. Tilt bracket screws (29) and torque to 5.2 Nm (46 lb. in.).
4. Three tilt bumpers (31) into jacket and bowl assembly (19) until bottomed.
5. Steering column lock cylinder set (20) in "Off- Lock" position with key removed.
6. Lock retaining screw (18) and torque to 7.0 Nm (62 lb. in.).
7. Buzzer switch assembly (17). Push switch down into retaining bore until bottomed with plastic tab covering lock retaining screw (18).
8. Insert key and place lock cylinder (20) in "Run" position.
9. Shaft and housing assembly (9).
10. Lubricate pivot pins (10) with lithium grease.
^ Two pivot pins (10) into pivot holes in shaft and housing assembly (9) until bottomed.
11. Pull tilt lever (30) and tilt column all the way up.
12. Lubricate tilt spring guide (13) with lithium grease.
^ Tilt spring guide (13) into tilt spring (12).
13. Guide (13) and tilt spring (12) with spring retainer (11) as follows:
- Be sure that recess in spring guide (13) engages round locating tab in jacket and bowl assembly (19).
- Insert phillips head screwdriver into square opening in spring retainer (11), push down and turn right to lock in place.
14. Adapter and lower bearing assembly (24).
15. Adapter screws (25) and torque to 3 Nm (26 lb. in.).
16. Lower bearing seat (26) and lower bearing spring (27).
17. Two new lower spring retainers (28), compress spring (27) until retainers are positioned 29 mm (1.14 in.) from lower end of steering shaft.
18. Steering Column in car.
19. Park lock cable into ignition switch inhibiter and snap in place.
20. Do steps 1 through 18 under Turn Signal Switch Assembly / Service and Repair / Install or Connect. See: Turn Signal Switch > Procedures
_______________________
Let me know if you have questions or need help.
Take care,
Joe
What I am going to provide are the directions specific to replacement with a tilt wheel. All attached pictures correlate with the directions. Also, pic 1 is an exploded view of the column. Read through the directions, compare the pics, and see if anything stands out as different to what you have done.
_____________________________
IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER
Tilt Wheel Steering Column
pic 1
Legend
pic 2
Housing Cover And Turn Signal Switch Removal
pic 3
Buzzer Switch Wires, Removal
pic 4
Pivot Pin Removal
pic 5
Buzzer Switch Removal
pic 6
Lock Cylinder Set Removal
pic 7
Remove or Disconnect
Tools Required: J 35689-A Terminal Remover J 21854-01 Pivot Pin Remover.
Important: Steering column must be removed from car before proceeding with the following steps.
1. Do steps 1 through 18 under Turn Signal Switch Assembly / Service and Repair / Remove or Disconnect. See: Turn Signal Switch > Procedures
2. Pull tilt lever (30) and tilt column all the way up.
3. Insert phillips head screwdriver into square opening in spring retainer (11), push down and turn left to release retainer (11) and wheel tilt spring (12).
4. Spring retainer (11), tilt spring (12) and tilt spring guide (13).
5. Two lower spring retainers (28) and discard.
6. Lower bearing spring (27) and lower bearing seat (26).
7. Adapter screws (25).
8. Adapter and lower bearing assembly (24).
9. Two pivot pins (10) with J 21854-01 as shown.
10. Place lock cylinder (20) in "Run" position.
11. Pull tilt lever (30) to release shaft and housing assembly (9).
12. Shaft and housing assembly (9) from jacket and bowl assembly (19).
13. Place lock cylinder (20) in "Off-Lock" position and remove key.
14. Buzzer switch (17). Use screwdriver to lift switch tab and pull gently on wires to remove.
15. Lock retaining screw (18).
16. Lock cylinder (20).
17. Column tilt bumpers (31) with vise grips. If bumper is broken off use a 5.9 mm (7/32 in.) drill to remove remaining piece of bumper.
18. Tilt bracket screws (29).
19. Tilt lever and bracket assembly (30).
20. Rod cap (32) from dimmer switch rod (35).
21. Jacket and bowl assembly (19).
Install or Connect
Important: All fasteners in the following steps must be firmly seated before being tightened to specified torque.
1. Rod cap (32) into jacket and bowl assembly (19).
2. Tilt lever and bracket assembly (30) into jacket and bowl assembly (19).
3. Tilt bracket screws (29) and torque to 5.2 Nm (46 lb. in.).
4. Three tilt bumpers (31) into jacket and bowl assembly (19) until bottomed.
5. Steering column lock cylinder set (20) in "Off- Lock" position with key removed.
6. Lock retaining screw (18) and torque to 7.0 Nm (62 lb. in.).
7. Buzzer switch assembly (17). Push switch down into retaining bore until bottomed with plastic tab covering lock retaining screw (18).
8. Insert key and place lock cylinder (20) in "Run" position.
9. Shaft and housing assembly (9).
10. Lubricate pivot pins (10) with lithium grease.
^ Two pivot pins (10) into pivot holes in shaft and housing assembly (9) until bottomed.
11. Pull tilt lever (30) and tilt column all the way up.
12. Lubricate tilt spring guide (13) with lithium grease.
^ Tilt spring guide (13) into tilt spring (12).
13. Guide (13) and tilt spring (12) with spring retainer (11) as follows:
- Be sure that recess in spring guide (13) engages round locating tab in jacket and bowl assembly (19).
- Insert phillips head screwdriver into square opening in spring retainer (11), push down and turn right to lock in place.
14. Adapter and lower bearing assembly (24).
15. Adapter screws (25) and torque to 3 Nm (26 lb. in.).
16. Lower bearing seat (26) and lower bearing spring (27).
17. Two new lower spring retainers (28), compress spring (27) until retainers are positioned 29 mm (1.14 in.) from lower end of steering shaft.
18. Steering Column in car.
19. Park lock cable into ignition switch inhibiter and snap in place.
20. Do steps 1 through 18 under Turn Signal Switch Assembly / Service and Repair / Install or Connect. See: Turn Signal Switch > Procedures
_______________________
Let me know if you have questions or need help.
Take care,
Joe
Images (Click to enlarge)
Jul 23, 2019 at 5:11 PM
(Merged)
Thank you Joe.
Jul 23, 2019 at 5:11 PM
(Merged)
Happy to help. Let me know if you have other questions.
Take care,
Joe
Take care,
Joe
Jul 23, 2019 at 5:11 PM
(Merged)
Hi, is a front wheel alignment necessary after installing a steering wheel column? the steering shaft has a factory hash mark that was centered before I removed the column and the front wheels were centered and facing straight ahead. I haven't installed the column just yet because I just noticed the front wheels are just a bit off center. does the hash mark and front wheels need to be centered before installing the column? thank you guys for all your help and do appreciate it.
Jul 23, 2019 at 5:12 PM
(Merged)
Welcome to 2CarPros.
An alignment shouldn't be needed unless the steering wheel is off center when going straight. What you described sounds correct. Here are the directions for removal and install. The attached picture correlates with the directions.
________________
STEERING COLUMN - REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Removal
Steering wheel removal for vehicles with redundant steering wheel controls has been revised by service bulletin No. 90-110-9.
1. On 1990-91 models, remove air cleaner.
2. On all models, disconnect battery ground cable, then remove steering wheel as necessary. When removing steering wheel that is equipped with redundant steering wheel controls, insert wheel puller bolts only four to six threads deep to prevent bolts from going all the way through the hub.
3. Remove left hand sound insulator and the trim panel below steering column.
4. Unlock steering column, then push top of intermediate shaft seal down for access to upper intermediate shaft coupling and upper coupling pinch bolt.
5. Rotate intermediate shaft as necessary to remove upper coupling pinch bolt.
6. Disconnect shift indicator cable end and casing from steering column and transaxle shift lever, or park lock cable if equipped with floor shift.
7. Disconnect transaxle shift cable from ball stud on transaxle shift lever, then remove transaxle shift cable casing from steering column bracket by depressing two tabs.
Fig. 27 Steering Column Removal And Installation.
Pic 1
8. Remove lower steering column attaching bolts, Fig. 27, then the upper steering column attaching bolts, and lower steering column to seat.
9. Disconnect electrical connector by loosening the screw and separating the two halves.
10. Withdraw lower end of steering shaft from upper intermediate shaft coupling and remove column. It may be necessary to spread coupling clamp with a screwdriver to withdraw steering shaft.
Installation
1. Install column back into vehicle and insert lower end of column shaft into upper intermediate shaft coupling.
2. Connect column electrical connector, tightening screw that draws the two halves together.
3. Connect transaxle shift cable and transaxle shift cable casing to column bracket and shift lever ball stud, or park lock cable if equipped with floor shift.
4. Install transaxle shift indicator cable end and casing and connect cable to transaxle shift lever.
5. Loosely install upper and lower steering column attaching bolts, then torque to 18 lb ft
6. Install upper coupling pinch bolt into upper intermediate shaft coupling and torque to 35 lb ft
7. Ensure clearance between lower shaft coupling and steering gear is at least .08 inch, then pull up intermediate shaft seal over lower column until it locks in place.
8. Install trim panel below steering column and the left hand sound insulator.
9. In stall steering wheel, if removed, then connect battery ground cable and confirm proper operation of all steering column components and functions.
10. On 1990-91 models, install air cleaner.
_________________
Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.
Take care,
Joe
An alignment shouldn't be needed unless the steering wheel is off center when going straight. What you described sounds correct. Here are the directions for removal and install. The attached picture correlates with the directions.
________________
STEERING COLUMN - REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Removal
Steering wheel removal for vehicles with redundant steering wheel controls has been revised by service bulletin No. 90-110-9.
1. On 1990-91 models, remove air cleaner.
2. On all models, disconnect battery ground cable, then remove steering wheel as necessary. When removing steering wheel that is equipped with redundant steering wheel controls, insert wheel puller bolts only four to six threads deep to prevent bolts from going all the way through the hub.
3. Remove left hand sound insulator and the trim panel below steering column.
4. Unlock steering column, then push top of intermediate shaft seal down for access to upper intermediate shaft coupling and upper coupling pinch bolt.
5. Rotate intermediate shaft as necessary to remove upper coupling pinch bolt.
6. Disconnect shift indicator cable end and casing from steering column and transaxle shift lever, or park lock cable if equipped with floor shift.
7. Disconnect transaxle shift cable from ball stud on transaxle shift lever, then remove transaxle shift cable casing from steering column bracket by depressing two tabs.
Fig. 27 Steering Column Removal And Installation.
Pic 1
8. Remove lower steering column attaching bolts, Fig. 27, then the upper steering column attaching bolts, and lower steering column to seat.
9. Disconnect electrical connector by loosening the screw and separating the two halves.
10. Withdraw lower end of steering shaft from upper intermediate shaft coupling and remove column. It may be necessary to spread coupling clamp with a screwdriver to withdraw steering shaft.
Installation
1. Install column back into vehicle and insert lower end of column shaft into upper intermediate shaft coupling.
2. Connect column electrical connector, tightening screw that draws the two halves together.
3. Connect transaxle shift cable and transaxle shift cable casing to column bracket and shift lever ball stud, or park lock cable if equipped with floor shift.
4. Install transaxle shift indicator cable end and casing and connect cable to transaxle shift lever.
5. Loosely install upper and lower steering column attaching bolts, then torque to 18 lb ft
6. Install upper coupling pinch bolt into upper intermediate shaft coupling and torque to 35 lb ft
7. Ensure clearance between lower shaft coupling and steering gear is at least .08 inch, then pull up intermediate shaft seal over lower column until it locks in place.
8. Install trim panel below steering column and the left hand sound insulator.
9. In stall steering wheel, if removed, then connect battery ground cable and confirm proper operation of all steering column components and functions.
10. On 1990-91 models, install air cleaner.
_________________
Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.
Take care,
Joe
Image (Click to enlarge)
Jul 23, 2019 at 5:12 PM
(Merged)
Got it! and thanks again for all your advice.
Jul 23, 2019 at 5:12 PM
(Merged)
Happy to help. Let us know if you have other questions.
Have a great weekend and 4th!!!
Take care,
joe
Have a great weekend and 4th!!!
Take care,
joe
Jul 23, 2019 at 5:12 PM
(Merged)
Hi again!..does the steering shaft require lubrication prior to reassembly?. and what's the easiest way to compress the lower bearing spring and retainers once the shaft is lowered into the housing?.and does it matter which way the spring retainers are facing??... I misplaced my notes. Thank you!
Jul 23, 2019 at 5:12 PM
(Merged)
Good evening
1. no it does not require any lube.
2. There is a spring depressor tool you need to compress the spring to the shaft.
3. No, they have the same face on either side.
Roy
1. no it does not require any lube.
2. There is a spring depressor tool you need to compress the spring to the shaft.
3. No, they have the same face on either side.
Roy
Image (Click to enlarge)
Jul 23, 2019 at 5:12 PM
(Merged)
Thanks ASEmaster 6371 for your quick response and helpful advice.
Jul 23, 2019 at 5:12 PM
(Merged)
You are welcome
Always glad to help
Roy
Always glad to help
Roy
Jul 23, 2019 at 5:12 PM
(Merged)
hi..I don't believe I have that tool that slides over that steering shaft to ease and slide the two retainers onto and over to position.. is there a trick way to installing them without that tool? thank you!
Jul 23, 2019 at 5:12 PM
(Merged)
Nope. Too much pressure required to collapse the spring.
Parts stores have this depressor
Roy.
Parts stores have this depressor
Roy.
Jul 23, 2019 at 5:12 PM
(Merged)
thanks again ASEMASTER6371!!
Jul 23, 2019 at 5:12 PM
(Merged)
You are welcome
Always glad to help
Roy
Always glad to help
Roy
Jul 23, 2019 at 5:12 PM
(Merged)
To ASEMASTER6371..hello again Roy...ive tried to buy or rent that spring depressor tool from my area auto parts stores and having no luck with these so called "auto parts experts and I even showed the guy at auto zone a complete exploded diagram yesterday of this steering column and he was trying to sell me a wheel puller!!..and referred me to harbor freight!!..what's the proper name of this tool or can you send me a photo of it if you can?..and do think harbor freight will have it?..I'm sorry for being a bother but I need your advice again..thank you!!
Jul 24, 2019 at 3:42 PM
ASEMASTER6371 is one of our best! Use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Please tell a friend.
Jul 27, 2019 at 6:12 PM